| DotMBlurb= '''[[Dubrovnik]]''' is an old city on the Adriatic Sea coast in the extreme south of [[Croatia]]. It is one of the most prominent tourist resorts of the Mediterranean, a seaport and the center of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County. Dubrovnik is nicknamed '''"Pearl of the Adriatic"''' and is listed as a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]] since 1979. The city is steeped in stunning architecture and sculptural detail, and boasts spectacular churches, monasteries, museums, and fountains. In '''July''' the city hosts a '''Summer Festival''' which is famous nationwide for its exquisite selection of drama, plays and concert of chamber music with more then 2,000 artists from 30 countries. <small>([[Dubrovnik|more...]])</small>

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| DotMBlurb= '''[[Sydney]]''' is known as the Harbour City. It is the largest, oldest and most cosmopolitan city in [[Australia]] with an enviable reputation as one of the world's most beautiful and livable places. Brimming with history, nature, culture, art, fashion, cuisine, design, it is set next to miles of ocean coastline and sandy surf beaches. Recent immigration trends have led to the cities reputation as one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. In '''October''' the city hosts '''Australia's largest food festival'''- Crave Sydney- and '''Musica Viva Festival'''. <small>([[Sydney|more...]])</small>

| OTBPBlurb= '''[[Alberobello]]''' is a town in the Italian region of [[Apulia]] (Puglia) and is known as the '''Capital of the Trulli'''. The trullo is a building with conical roof made without mortar. Alberobello has special status internationally - designated a UNESCO world heritage site - because its collection of some 1,500 trulli in an urban environment is unique. Some of the trulli are now used for stores, restaurants, and lodging. But many are still inhabited by locals, who are very friendly to visitors. As a world heritage site, Alberobello is a tourist attraction, but as it is less accessible from the tourist-heavy west coast, it is not overrun by tourists, and most tourists of Alberobello are Italians. <small>([[Alberobello|more...]])</small>

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| OTBPBlurb= Situated on Lake Champlain, '''[[Burlington (Vermont)]]''' is the heart of a small urban area that acts as Vermont's vibrant and cosmopolitan center. Known for its ultra-liberal environment, Burlington is both a college town and an important commercial city, while maintaining an intimate atmosphere. Fall is a great time to visit Burlington as the city is aglow in bright colors. '''Foliage season''' begins in mid to late September, with color increasing day by day until "peak" around the first or second week of October. <small>([[Burlington (Vermont)|more...]])</small>

{{newsitem| Major Oil Spill in Thai Beach Resort | 29 July| Black waves of crude oil washed up on a beach at a popular tourist island in Thailand's eastern sea despite attempts to clean up the oil up over the weekend after it leaked from a pipeline. Tourists on [[Ko Samet]] island were warned to stay away from the once-serene beach, marred by inky globs as hundreds of workers in white jumpsuits labored to scrape the sand clean and remove oil from the water. About 50 tons of oil spilled into the sea off [[Rayong]] province. The leak was the fourth major oil spill in the country's history, Energy Minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisal said. Authorities closed the bay as 300 workers attempted to remove the oil from the white beach and the water. [http://www.businessinsider.com/oil-spill-in-thailand-2013-7]}}

{{newsitem| Los Angeles campgrounds closed| 29 July| Health authorities have closed three campgrounds in a forest near Los Angeles after the discovery of a squirrel infected with the plague. Officials said they would dust the forest's squirrel burrows for fleas. They warned people to avoid visiting areas near the campgrounds, which are likely to remain closed for at least a week, and to not feed wild animals. They also said people should protect pets from fleas and use insect repellant.[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jul/25/los-angeles-campgrounds-closed-squirrel-plague]}}

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{{newsitem|The Statue of Liberty, the Grand Canyon and Mount Rushmore open| 11 Oct| [[New York (state)|New York state's]] tourism budget will fund the park and the state will pay $61,600 a day over the next several days to keep Lady Liberty open. According to the statement, a 2012 annual report from the National Park Service counted 3.7 million visitors to Liberty Island in 2011, generating nearly $200 million in economic activity and supporting more than 2,000 jobs. Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer also negotiated an agreement with the federal government to reopen Grand Canyon National Park as well, also using state and local funds amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.A similar deal was struck in South Dakota in order to reopen the mountain bearing the faces of some of America's greatest statesmen. The state government is paying $152,000 in order to keep Mount Rushmore open for 10 days, from Oct. 14 through Oct. 23. [http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/11/politics/shutdown-statue-of-liberty/index.html] }}

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{{newsitem| General strike in Athens | 16 July| A 24-hour general strike protesting further austerity measures brought many public services in Greece to a grinding halt. Public transit systems, flights and garbage collection services are affected by the nationwide action- the fourth general strike this year- while hospitals are running on skeleton staffing. Labor unions held a rally in central Athens, followed by a march to the national parliament building.About 16,000 to 17,000 people took part in the demonstration, which was peaceful and resulted in no arrests, Athens police spokesman Panagiotis Papapetropoulos said. [http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/16/world/europe/greece-strike/index.html] }}

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{{newsitem|Mass evacuations in Eastern India| 11 Oct| More than 200,000 people in India are being evacuated as a massive cyclone is sweeping through the Bay of Bengal towards the east coast. Cyclone Phailin, categorized as "very severe" by weather forecasters, is expected to hit [[Orissa]] and [[Andhra Pradesh]] states on Oct 12 in the evening. The Meteorological Department has predicted the storm will bring winds up to 220 km/h (136mph). A deadly super-cyclone in 1999 killed more than 10,000 people in Orissa. But officials say this time they are better prepared. [http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-24487130]}}

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{{newsitem| Deadly clashes strike Egypt again| 16 July| The unrest and changes in power follow President Mohamed Morsy's removal from power in a military coup 3 Jul 2013. Health Ministry official Khaled Al-Khatib was quoted by EgyNews, the nation's state news agency, as saying that 261 additional people were injured in violence in the capital. Meanwhile, 401 Morsy supporters were arrested overnight in Ramses Square, according to state-run Nile TV. Cairo has seen repeated protests since Morsy was deposed. The official website of Morsy's Muslim Brotherhood party said four people were killed and more than 300 injured in the clashes in Ramses Square and near a downtown Cairo mosque, and that police opened fire on Morsy supporters while they were taking part in Ramadan prayers at Al-Fath mosque. The continuing violence comes as Egypt's interim government starts to take shape, its members chosen by the country's military leaders. [http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/16/world/meast/egypt-government/index.html]}}

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{{newsitem|Utah cuts deal reopens its National Parks| 11 Oct| Leaders in Utah say they found a way to get around the government shutdown. Utah will reopen its five national parks by Oct 12, as well as three other nationally run locations. Utah's Governor Gary Herbert made the announcement Thursday, saying a deal had been reached with the U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Sally Jewell. "Utah agrees to pay the National Park Service (NPS) up to $1.67 million— $166,572 per day—to re-open eight national sites in Utah for up to 10 days. If the federal government shutdown ends before then, the State will receive a refund of unused monies" an official press statement explained. The deal would reopen [[Arches]], [[Bryce Canyon]], [[Canyonlands]], [[Capitol Reef]], and [[Zion]] national parks. The other three locations that will be opened are Natural Bridges and Cedar Breaks national monuments, as well as Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. [http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/11/us/utah-parks-reopen/index.html]}}

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{{newsitem| Travel Warning- Niger| 15 July| The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Niger. U.S. citizens in Niger, and those considering travel to Niger, should evaluate their personal security situation in light of continuing threats to safety and security. The Government of Niger continues to erect security checkpoints in [[Niamey]] to address the security concerns in the country. The Embassy recommends that citizens traveling in Niger remain especially careful around security checkpoints, as security forces continue to be on a heightened state of alert. Do not drive away from, or through, a checkpoint until you are given clear permission to do so. If you are unsure of what to do, please request verbal confirmation before proceeding.On June 1, prisoners in Niamey's main prison staged a prison break. Of the 32 prisoners who successfully escaped, several are suspected to have ties to terrorist organizations. The majority of the escapees remain at large. [http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_6032.html] }}

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{{newsitem|Travel Warning- Sudan| 11 Oct| The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of traveling to [[Sudan]], urges U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to the [[Darfur]] region of Sudan, the Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan states, and advises you to consider carefully the risks of travel in other areas of Sudan. While the Government of Sudan has taken some steps to limit the activities of terrorist groups, elements of these groups remain in Sudan and have threatened to attack Western interests. Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, or kidnappings. You should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets in public places, including tourist sites and locations where westerners are known to congregate, as well as commercial operations associated with U.S. or Western interests. [http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_6171.html] }}

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{{newsitem| Saudi Arabia warns pilgrims to wear masks| 14 July| Saudi Arabia is asking pilgrims to cover their mouths with a mask while in crowded places -- or risk spreading a deadly disease. In four months, the holy city of [[Mecca]] opens its doors to millions of Muslim pilgrims for the annual Hajj, with multitudes congregating at the same holy places at the same time. Others visit during the holy month of Ramadan. It's a perfect scenario for catching and spreading the relatively new Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), which has befallen Saudi Arabia almost exclusively, state-run SPA news agency reports. [http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/13/world/meast/saudi-arabia-pilgrims-masks/index.html] }}

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{{newsitem|Travel Warning- Burundi| 11 Oct| The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of traveling to Burundi. This Travel Warning updates without change the Travel Warning for Burundi dated April 22, 2013. The Travel Warning reiterates existing security concerns and notes the security restrictions on travel for Embassy personnel remain in place. Because Burundi participates in peacekeeping operations in [[Somalia]], the terrorist organization al-Shabaab, based in Somalia, has threatened to conduct terror attacks in Burundi. [http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_6170.html] }}

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{{newsitem| Congo rebel clashes near Goma city | 15 July| Rebels and army forces are engaged in heavy fighting near the city of Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The fighting comes as its new 3,000-strong intervention brigade to neutralize and disarm the rebels is approaching full strength. Last year the rebels pulled out of [[Goma]] after briefly seizing the city. Peace talks between the two sides in [[Uganda]] have since stalled. Meanwhile, aid agencies say more than 70,000 Congolese refugees have now fled into Uganda following separate clashes in eastern DR Congo near the border. [http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-23316609] }}

{{eventsitem| Naadam festival, Mongolia |11-13 Jul 2013| Mongolia is home to the "three manly sports": wrestling, horse racing, and archery, and these are the same three sporting events that take place every year at the Naadam festival. Naadam is the National Holiday of Mongolia celebrated on 11-13 Jul. During these days all of Mongolia watches or listens to the whole event which takes place in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar through Mongolia's National Television and Radio. Many other smaller Naadam festivals take place in different aimags (provinces) around the country throughout the month of July, and it is at these Naadam festivals that you are able to get a much closer look at the action. It is believed that Naadam celebrations started with the rise of the Great Mongolian Empire as Chinggis (also known as Genghis) Khan's strategy to keep his warriors strictly fit. After the fall of the empire, the contests were held during religious festivals, and since the communist revolution it was celebrated on its anniversary. [http://wikitravel.org/en/Mongolia#Holidays_and_festivals]}}

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{{eventsitem| Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta|5-13 Oct|The Fiesta is the world's largest ballooning event, largest annual international event in North America, and one of the most photographed events in the world. A cultural landmark for Albuquerque (and indeed, all of New Mexico), this festival gives you a first-hand look at the world of ballooning. For nine days in October, you may walk out onto a large field where balloonists from around the world set up, inflate, launch, and possibly land their balloons. Mass ascensions of balloons with hundreds of different colors and shapes create an often stunning and magnificent sight. It's one of the most heavily attended festivals in the entire U.S. [http://wikitravel.org/en/Albuquerque#Albuquerque_International_Balloon_Fiesta] }}

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{{eventsitem| Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival |13 Jul 2013| The marine life that inhabits the [[Florida Keys]]’ living coral reef is widely acclaimed for its color and variety, but it usually doesn’t include costumed mermaids or musicians strumming their instruments. Except, that is, during the annual Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival. The 2013 underwater action is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 13, at Looe Key Reef, an area of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary approximately six miles south of Big Pine Key. The unique festival typically draws several hundred divers and snorkelers each year to enjoy the sound of music in the ocean realm. [http://www.lowerkeyschamber.com/calendar.cfm] }}

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{{eventsitem| Nepal’s biggest annual festival, Kathmandu|5-14 Oct|The monsoons are over, the air is clearing, and it’s time for Nepal’s biggest annual festival. If you’re in Kathmandu this month you’ll be able to celebrate Durja Puja or Dashain along with the residents. This religious festival is wrapped around the seasons and the harvest. You’ll see animal sacrifices, barley seeds being sown, and hopes for a good year to come. [http://bit.ly/18CkRMC] }}

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{{eventsitem| 55th International Art Exhibition, Venice|1 Jun- 24 Nov 2013| The title chosen by curator Massimiliano Gioni for the 55th International Art Exhibition is Il Palazzo Enciclopedico / The Encyclopedic Palace. Massimiliano Gioni introduced the choice of theme evoking the Italo-American self-taught artist Marino Auriti who “on November 16, 1955 filed a design with the US Patent office depicting his Palazzo Enciclopedico (The Encyclopedic Palace), an imaginary museum that was meant to house all worldly knowledge, bringing together the greatest discoveries of the human race, from the wheel to the satellite. Auriti’s plan was never carried out, of course, but the dream of universal, all-embracing knowledge crops up throughout history, as one that eccentrics like Auriti share with many other artists, writers, scientists, and prophets who have tried - often in vain - to fashion an image of the world that will capture its infinite variety and richness." [http://www.labiennale.org/en/art/exhibition/]}}

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{{eventsitem|Leavenworth (Washington) Oktoberfest|5-20 Oct|Leavenworth is modeled after a Bavarian village, which makes Oktoberfest a particularly fun time to visit. The town’s three-weekend long celebration is the place to go for German beer, cuisine and entertainment. Event is only on Fridays and Saturdays. [http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2012/09/27/8-october-festivals-not-to-miss/] }}

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{{eventsitem| SAIL Den Helder, Netherlands|20- 23 Jun 2013| On Thursday the many Tall ships will arrive again in [[Den Helder]]. From the Sedov from [[Russia]] to the Sagres III from [[Portugal]], they will all be there. Many of the vessels can be visited during those days and there will be many activities in and around the port of [[Den Helder]] full program [http://www.saildenhelder.nl]}}

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{{eventsitem| Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival, Inle Lake, Myanmar|16 Oct- 2 Nov|It’s an important time in Myanmar, especially if you’re near Inle Lake. For this Shan celebration a procession of leg-rowed boats tow four Buddhist statues around the lake. Thousands of people from around the state, plus visitors of course, attend over the two-week period. [http://bit.ly/18CkRMC]}}

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{{eventsitem| Just So Fest, Cheshire |16-18 Aug 2013| The Just So Festival is a boutique, weekend-long festival of creativity aimed at children, young people and their families. The festival provides a magical experience where art, music and literature are embedded and entwined in a beautiful and wonderous landscape. You will enjoy broad range of musical, theatrical, visual and aural performances, workshops and installations within a safe, natural and magical setting. [http://www.justsofestival.org.uk/] }}

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{{eventsitem| Keene Pumpkin Festival|19 Oct|This is one of the best Pumpkin festivals this Fall with food, craft court and a pumpkin road race. What sets this festival apart are all the jack-o-lanterns. The town carved and brought in nearly 30,000 jack-o-lanterns last year, and they illuminate each and every one right around the town’s center.Keene has celebrated the joy of the pumpkin in a way that no other town in the region or the world has been able to match. [http://www.pumpkinfestival.com/] }}

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{{eventsitem| The Big Feastival, Kingham, Oxfordshire |31 Aug- 1 Sept 2013| Jamie Oliver and Alex James present The Big Feastival, a unique two-day celebration of music, food and fun for all the family, set on Alex’s idyllic Cotswolds farm. Enjoy music from top acts, tuck into top chef demos in the Big Kitchen and have your fill from The Menu, featuring the cream of the UK’s street food crop. Browse local producer stands, join a cookery class or get your foodie fix joining top chefs for intimate Q&A sessions. Keep little and big kids happy in the fun-filled Little Dudes Den, join an arts & crafts workshop, enjoy the Big Top games or take a spin round the vintage funfair. [http://www.jamieoliver.com/thebigfeastival/feastival-info/] }}

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{{eventsitem| Fantasy Fest, Key West|19-28 Oct|Key West’s annual Fantasy Fest is a 10-day costume party with events like the Headdress Ball and a homemade bikini contest. On the second Saturday of the festival, check out Captain Morgan's Fantasy Fest Parade feel like you are in New Orleans circa Mardi Gras. [http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2012/09/27/8-october-festivals-not-to-miss/]}}

Sydney is known as the Harbour City. It is the largest, oldest and most cosmopolitan city in Australia with an enviable reputation as one of the world's most beautiful and livable places. Brimming with history, nature, culture, art, fashion, cuisine, design, it is set next to miles of ocean coastline and sandy surf beaches. Recent immigration trends have led to the cities reputation as one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. In October the city hosts Australia's largest food festival- Crave Sydney- and Musica Viva Festival. (more...)

Situated on Lake Champlain, Burlington (Vermont) is the heart of a small urban area that acts as Vermont's vibrant and cosmopolitan center. Known for its ultra-liberal environment, Burlington is both a college town and an important commercial city, while maintaining an intimate atmosphere. Fall is a great time to visit Burlington as the city is aglow in bright colors. Foliage season begins in mid to late September, with color increasing day by day until "peak" around the first or second week of October. (more...)